ANTHOPHTTA. 



287 



fluid within are soon dissolved by it, and then absorbed by 

 the plant for its nourishment. 



539. There is a close connection between the ornamental 

 value of a plant and the perfection of its flower as a mech- 

 anism to secure pollination by means of insects. In other 

 words, those things in a flower which are attractive to in- 

 sects are, as a rule, attractive to us also. Thus the large, 

 brightly colored perianth and the sweet scent of the wild 

 rose, which serves to secure the visits of insects, are like- 

 wise attractive to us. 



Fio. 174.— A -water-lily (Nelumbo lutea). One third natural size. 



540. The apetalous plants are thus of low ornamental 

 value in so far as their flowers are concerned. The gamo- 

 petalous and polypetalous (choripetalous) species furnish 

 many fine flowers which have long been favorite ornaments 

 in gardens and conservatories. Thus the Verbenas, 

 Phloxes, Heliotropes, Primroses, Azaleas, Ehododendrons, 

 Heaths, Bellflowers, Honeysuckles, and great numbers of 

 Composites may be taken to represent the ornamental 



